Shoosmiths promotes seven to partner, nine to senior associate

The new partners are Cherry Hancock, Beth McArdle and James Needham in real estate; Jonathan Naylor in employment; Wendy Rainbow in the lender services group; Tim Willis in planning; and Denise Stephens in medical negligence under consumer brand Access Legal from Shoosmiths.

Hancock, McArdle, Needham and Willis are based in Birmingham, Stephens in Basingstoke, Rainbow in Northampton and Naylor in Reading.

Chief executive Claire Rowe said: “Our focus at the moment is on client relationships – establishing new ones and developing existing ones - and on reputation, building on the excellent name we’ve won for Shoosmiths across so many sectors.

“We can only develop those relationships and that reputation with the dedication and hard work of people like those who’ve been promoted.

“The business environment in which we’re working remains challenging, so it’s even more important to have this sort of talent in our ranks, and makes their promotions even more of an achievement.”

The firm has also made up nine people to the senior associate role. It is the second year Shoosmiths has promoted to the senior associate level, which was created last year to recognise the responsibilities taken on by more experienced associates.